If you’re already committed to clean beauty, you’re likely avoiding the most obvious toxic ingredients, but here are some additional ones to watch out for—even in “natural” or “clean” skincare products:
Hidden or Overlooked Ingredients to Avoid
- Phenoxyethanol – A common preservative used in “clean” beauty, but it can cause skin irritation and disrupt the microbiome.
- Polysorbates (Polysorbate 20, 40, 60, 80) – Often derived from natural sources but processed with ethylene oxide, which can leave behind harmful residues.
- Caprylyl Glycol & Hexylene Glycol – Often used as “safer” alternatives to parabens but can still be synthetic irritants.
- Synthetic Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) – May be contaminated with hydroquinone, a skin-lightening agent with potential toxicity.
- Silicones (Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane) – While not toxic, they create a film on the skin that can trap bacteria and disrupt natural skin function.
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine – A foaming agent often found in “natural” shampoos and cleansers but can cause irritation due to contamination with DEA (Diethanolamine).
- BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) – Used as a preservative in some “clean” formulas but is linked to endocrine disruption.
- Sodium Benzoate + Ascorbic Acid – This combination can form benzene, a known carcinogen.
- Titanium Dioxide (Nano-Form) – Non-nano titanium dioxide is safe, but nano-sized particles can penetrate the skin and cause cellular damage.
- Artificial Colorants (FD&C and D&C Dyes) – Often derived from petroleum and may contain heavy metal contaminants.
If you’re pursuing clean beauty at a deeper level, look for brands that go beyond "free-from" marketing claims and focus on:
✔ Whole plant-based formulations
✔ Minimal processing to maintain ingredient integrity
✔ Transparent sourcing and sustainable harvesting
